Hard Measures

By Jose A. Rodriguez

Description

An explosive memoir about the creation and implementation of the controversial Enhanced Interrogation Techniques by the former Chief Operations Officer for the CIA's Counterterrorism Center.

While the American public is aware of the CIA’s use of highly controversial “enhanced interrogation techniques,” few know the man who, in the wake of September 11, led all U.S. counterterrorism operations and oversaw the use of those procedures—procedures that obtained vital and timely intelligence and helped safeguard the nation from future attacks.

Puerto Rican–born Jose A. Rodriguez, Jr., served the United States for twenty-five years as an undercover officer before bringing his wealth of field knowledge to the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center; now, in this riveting account and fascinating life story, one of America’s top undercover operatives reveals how hard measures have derailed terrorist activity targeting the U.S., and saved countless American lives. Fully disclosed here for the first time are the undercover operations and tactics implemented during the George W. Bush presidency—which were approved by the highest levels of the U.S. government, certified as legal by the Department of Justice, and supported by bipartisan leadership of congressional intelligence oversight committees.

But as the shock of 9/11 faded, the support that the intelligence community enjoyed and deserved gave way to shortsighted and potentially dangerous political correctness. One by one, the tools needed to successfully fight terrorism were banished, and the men and women who volunteered to carry out our nation’s orders in combating al-Qa'ida found themselves second-guessed, hamstrung, and investigated— including Rodriguez himself. In effect, the United States has chosen to willfully and unilaterally disarm itself in the war on terror. In Hard Measures, Rodriguez convincingly argues for the techniques used, and uncompromisingly details when these techniques were necessary, why they worked, and how, ultimately, they contributed to the capture of the world’s most-wanted terror operatives, including Usama bin Ladin. From law school student to CIA recruit to his role as America’s top spy, Rodriguez’s full story is one of utmost importance—a rare, insider’s look at an issue that demands attention. Above all, it’s a reasoned, imperative, and fully informed case for hard measures, and an explosive and gripping account of the real war on terror— where it’s been and where it’s headed.

***

Terrorism has always been one of the toughest targets on which to collect intelligence. The secrets you want to steal frequently don’t reside in computer systems, which can be hacked, or safes, which can be broken into, but in the inner recesses of a handful of individuals’ minds.

The cliché about intelligence work is that it is like working on a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle but not having the box top to show you what the finished picture should look like. If only it were that easy. In fact, it is more like working on a million-piece puzzle with no box top, and having millions more random pieces that look like they might fit, but actually are from different puzzles altogether.

It fell to us to make sense of the countless fragments of information and to take action on the chunks of the puzzle, which represented a real and growing threat to the United States and our allies.

—from Hard Measures

Reviews

Jose Rodriquez is a National Hero

5

By MonkeyWorks

Agree, or disagree, this is an immensely important story every American outsider should read. Before weighing in with their emotional musings on the subject. This Army veteran would like to thank Jose, and all the amazing men and women in the clandestine services. For their commitment, and dedication.

Hard Measures

5

By C-DIN

This is an awesome read--vital to dispel the falsehoods, lies, and myths that have been so badly politicized over the last several years. Standing ovation to the great Americans at CIA and in the intel communities. America is indeed safer due to their successes and their persistence!

Hard measures

5

By Mk3478

Thank you mr. Rodriguez for your service our great country.
This book was awesome and your work saved lives.
Mike Kassel

Hard Measures

5

By CarlosColon

Probably the best "real life story" book I ever read. Jose makes me proud of being also from PR and to have served and retired from the Army. Stay strong my friend and God Speed! Thank you for your service to our nation. Hope to meet you one day soon. Our best wishes to you and your family from ours. Dios les bendiga.

Hard Measures

4

By Shadoredd

Always trying to find the elusive answer

Truth at last

5

By EdoRoshi

A nuanced and detailed examination highlighting how leaks of information to the press endanger national security, and an explanation of why intelligence employees need to purchase legal liability insurance to aid their defense when the government they are trained to serve turns its back and hangs them out to dry.
Provides a detailed explanation of interrogation techniques used against captured militants involved in conspiracy to commit mass-murder against the United States.
A useful book for legal scholars and historians.

Hard Measures

5

By Ohio 5713

Jose is a patriot. After reading this book, ask yourself why should Nancy Pelosi ever again be number three to the Presidency?

Wonderful

5

By JRBrawler

This book was facinating and had me from beginning to end. The policies that our current leaders take of launching missle strikes rather than capturing people for information will come back to bite us just as Mr. Rodriguez says it will.

The reading of this book provided me a great sense of pride in those members of the CIA who have served and continue to serve to keep us safe.
Jose Rodriguez is a True Hero and Patriot. His legacy is established by his selfless sacrifice to protect those who serve with him for the protection of Our Nation.
Highly recommend this book.

Best book

5

By Florence R

This book is must red book for all American. Read and appreciate the hard work that CIA did to protect us. Thank you and god bless you.